1 faith unlimited may, 2017 2 by Faye G Hanshew

Publisher and Editor Faye Hanshew

Co-Publisher & Co-editor Dr. Bill Hanshew

Articles Faye Hanshew Women of Faith Need Help? Dr. Bill Hanshew Genice Fulton Keeping God First keeps all things in Proper Perspective Pastor Bill Hackworth Walk the Talk Dr. Dan L. Corse Living Godly in an Ungodly World What I Learned From my Mom: Dave Kachele God Says I’m so Precious, So I am! Speaker/Author Larry Thompson Where’s My Mom? Matthew Deves Listen to Your Mother Tom Tompkins Jr Quotes of Inspiration – Part 1 Jennie Crowell Flit it! My Mother, My Pastor INTERNATIONAL SECTION Total Commitment TEEN SECTION My Mother, My Pastor Mother Honoring Mothers

Ernest Nelson K. Nanor

Stuart E. Smith Grace Meier Mikea Fulton

Leon Gosiewski

In my opinion, there are all kinds of mothers. The list could go on and on. But according to Dr. Poulter, there are only five types of mothers: • The Perfectionist Mother – whose family must look perfect in every way • The Unpredictable Mother – whose ups and downs can create lifelong anxiety and depression in her son or daughter • The “Me First” Mother – whose children come second or last • The “Best Friend” Mother – who’s now in vogue but can wreak havoc • The Complete Mother – who provides guidance and shows compassion to her child In looking at this list, which mother do you think is best? Of course, I think we would all pick “The Complete Mother.” But how many mothers can juggle between their family responsibilities, their husbands, jobs, their children’s school, sports, etc, etc? What I am here to say is, no matter where you are in life, Father God loves you. Just do your best for your family and have a Happy Mother’s Day!

Faye Hanshew, Publisher & Editor

What does it mean when the term “women of faith” is used? Would that term bring a specific person to mind? Another question might be, “What does it take to be a woman of faith?” Before one can be a woman of faith, she should know the answer to the age-old question, “Why was I born?” Many women today may believe they were born to do something great, maybe even change the world and make it a better place. However, instead of running with

that opinion, they wake up each morning, eat their toast, sip their coffee, and go on with the day. Then, at the end of the day, they go to bed at night, and wake up, and start all over again. Few would brag over that routine and say, “I was born for this!” Maybe, ladies you should stop… take the time to smell the roses, and ask themselves, “Just why was I born?” The answers to these questions can be found in the scriptures. Ephesians 1:4 says: “Even before

He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.” This scripture says that God loved us before He hung the stars into place or created the

beautiful 4 seasons or even your favorite vacation spot! You got a #1 love-billing before any other created thing. He loved you even before He created you! What do you think about that?

out according to his plan.” Who was it He chose to create? He chose to create us so that He might love us. He chose us to be the receiver or heir of His never-ending, immeasurable love.

There are many women who have been involved in drug trafficking, prostitution, organized crime, theft, and many other things. Because of this; they do not understand why anyone would love them, especially God. And even those who have done nothing illegal, many still do not understand the Father’s love for them. This should be our #1 message to the world. Before a woman can be a woman of faith, she must know just how much Father God loves her.

So then, why were we born? We were born to be loved by God! Plain and simple! Even when you mess up and feel like you have done so bad, and go to God and say Father I blew it and sinned. His reply to you will be, “My son went to the cross for all of your sins, I do not know what you are talking about!” Jesus paid for sins, past, present, and future on the cross.

In Ephesians 1:11, it says, “Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work

Some of you may be thinking, “How can you reduce that huge question about why we were born to such a simple answer as: ‘God created us so He could love us.’ Answer?” I didn’t reduce it; GOD DID! Do you now believe that God loves you? Now

let’s talk a little more about faith. Hebrews 11:1 gives us what so many people use as the definition of faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” While Faith is putting our trust in someone you may not see with your natural eye, it does not mean that there is no evidence for that faith. We believe there is a God, not because we can see His physical body, but because we have plenty of evidence that He exists. All we have to do is open our eyes and look at the beautiful world He created, and we know He lives! But even more importantly, faith is confidence that God has done EVERYTHING the Word says He did. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (NKJV) But in the Greek, this scripture simply means,

“Without exercising faith, it is impossible to fully agree with God.” According to Romans 4, Abraham was saved because of his faith. Moses did not see himself as the man God could use to take on such a task as God gave him to do. However, through faith, he led the Israelites out of bondage. In Joshua 6:20 it says, “and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat...” Joshua led the Nation of Israel as a man of faith. Through faith Gideon, with a small army, conquered the Midianites. David killed a Goliath with a small stone…. but it was really his faith in God that gave him the courage to come against this giant who believed in a false god. These were some of the great men of Faith, and in Hebrews 11, it also lists, Abel, Enoch, Noah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Samson, and more...

Don’t worry women. I have not forgotten about you! You can see there were many men of faith in the Bible, but what about Women of Faith. So many people try to put women down and think they cannot do anything for God. Some men and women alike are held captive with religion that says, “Women cannot speak in church, they have not voice, no one will listen to them!” Let’s look at some women in the Bible. Rahab: Hebrews 11:31 says: “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.” This woman had a past, but she also had faith that if she helped God’s people, she would be protected, and she was! There are at least 4 women who witnessed the resurrection of their dead children: 1. The widow of Zarephath – Her son had become very sick and

died…The story is in 1 Kings 17. When Elijah came into town, a widow was gathering wood and Elijah told her to bring him a drink of water…she started to go do this, and he told her to also bring him a piece of bread too. She told Elijah that she indented to prepare a meal for her and her son, because she only had a little flour and a little oil, and then they were going to die. (You’ve got to understand, this Mother wanted to take care of her son) …Elijah told her to go make their food, but first to make some for him. In verse 14 it says: “This is what the LORD God of Israel says: Until the LORD sends rain on the land, the jar of flour will never be empty and the jug will always contain

oil.” This woman had faith and followed the instructions of Elijah. Later, her son died, and Elijah prayed and the boy was raised up…In verse 24 it says: “Then the woman said to Elijah, ‘Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth.’” But if she had not had faith in what God told her to do through Elijah, she may not have had received this miracle. 2. The 2nd woman that witnessed the resurrection of her dead child was The Shunammite woman. Elisha came by her and her husband’s place often, so she asked her husband if they could build an area for him with a bed to rest when he came.

Because of this, Elisha wanted to do something for her. Elisha’s servant Gehazi told Elisha that the woman did not have a child, and her husband was old. Elisha told the woman about this time next year, she would have a son. Her child was a miracle from God. She had been unable to conceive; but through God’s blessing, she bore a son… Then later in years, her son died, and she went to the prophet Elisha, brought him home with her, and her son was raised from the dead. This is in II King 4. 3. Jairus’ wife. Jarius was a ruler of the synagogue. Jesus took both Jairus and his wife and others, and just told the little 12year-old girl, “Little Girl, I say

to you Arise!” And she did. (Mark 5:41 – Matthew 9: 24-25 – Luke 8: 49-56) 4. The widow of Nain. In Luke 7:12-16 it says, “And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’ So, he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. Sarah: She was the wife of Abraham, and her faith is recorded in Hebrews

11:11: “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.” Sarah was well beyond the childbearing years, yet she bore Isaac just as God had said. She judged God to be faithful in what He had promised. Yes, those women are in the Bible, and you might say, it’s harder now…satan is always throwing thoughts at us… Take a look at the women at the top of my article. Everyday ladies who have jobs, husbands, daily routines, or the younger ones, have school, sports, and some work, but yet they take the time to work for God. We all know that is satan’s job to try and stop us, and he will do his best. The Bible says satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy…so what happens when he throws those thoughts or questions at us?

Let’s look at the very first question satan threw. It was at Eve… "Did God really tell you not to eat fruit from any tree in the garden?" Satan will ask us daily, "What did God tell you?" Only one reason he does this. He wants to take what God told you, and turn it around. The question will come in many forms, but the intent of the question will always be the same. Let’s look at this story…. In Genesis chapter 2 it says: 15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” In verse 18, God made woman…so who was it God gave those instructions to? It was Adam! So, in Genesis Chapter 3 starting in Verse 1 it says,

Now the serpent was craftier than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2

The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” 3

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 4

Ok…Did you catch that? God gave (who) the instructions? (Adam)… but when the message got to Eve, it was different than what God said…. God didn’t say anything about touching the tree, did He? Because Eve was not told directly by

God, satan easily came in and seduced her into believing his lie. Remember, satan is a liar and the father of all lies. So if he tries to throw something at you, LAUGH! Knowing that he is lying. Do not get toe to toe with him, do not get into a discussion with him. Just ignore him! He is not worth your attention, and he is only trying to distract you from God’s love! If you listen to satan, he will try to make you start wondering, how can HE love me? Well, look at what I’ve done. I’m not good enough for God. God does not care…. You are HIS child, and He LOVES YOU! Remember Moses had a speech impediment? I’m sure satan told him, he was not good enough to lead the children out of bondage. But look what Moses did. He did exactly what God commissioned him to do! Oh, and if you are a minister, but not wellknown, he might tell you

that you are not Gloria Copeland or Billye Brim or any of the other GREAT women of Faith! You might as well give up! You will never succeed…. So, what do you do when he brings these lies and tells you that you can’t be a Great Woman of Faith? YOU THROW THE WORD RIGHT BACK AT HIM…Your words????? NO, they won’t do any good…don’t argue with satan…don’t get into a conversation with him…Do what Jesus did…USE THE WORD OF GOD ON HIM…. FOR IT IS WRITTEN…. find the scripture that GOES WITH WHAT HE THROWS…. When he tells you that you are a failure, give him Phil 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me…. OR Romans 8:37 - we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. When he tells you are sick, give him 1 Peter

2:24 and Isaiah 53:5 We are and we WERE healed… When he tells you that you won’t make it, you don’t have any money, give him Phil 4:19 “My God will supply all your need according to HIS riches by Christ Jesus…” When he tells you that you are alone and tries to produce fear, give him, II Tim 1:7, “God has not given him the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Why do I say GIVE HIM instead of TELL HIM? Because you are to give him the scripture, not your opinion. Do as Jesus did, and say, “IT IS WRITTEN!” Or, ignore him, because he has NO authority. Remember, Jesus took all authority away from him? You have nothing to fear about satan. Jesus took everything on the cross FOR you! In Romans 8:32 it says: 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will He not also, along with him,

graciously give us all things? If you quote these scriptures when he throws a dart at you, it won’t be long until you are not even listening to him! Then, you will have that same great faith as those you look up to has.

For you to become a Women of Faith, it is very easy. BELIEVE THESE WORDS…Colossians 2:6-7 “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him

and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” Father God loves you with a neverending love! You are HIS child! God Bless you, and Happy Mother’s Day!

Mark 9:17-24 says, 17 “ Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. 18 And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.” 19 He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” 20 Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell

on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. 21 So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

The word “help” is defined as to make it easier for someone to do something by offering one’s services or resources. The Bible definition says that the word “help” is used in the sense of that which brings aid, support, or deliverance. The Greek word as used in this passage means to aid or relieve. It can also mean to assist. In this story, we see how that a father seeks help for his child. But even though the Bible does not mention both a father and mother in this setting, the obvious leaves us to

imagine the turmoil the mother might have been in. Mother’s seem to be tempted to worry about their children at times, more than fathers. Not to say anything negative about mothers, but it just seems to be how women are made up emotionally, in that the Bible refers to them as the weaker vessel. This does not mean that all women are physically or emotionally weaker than men. However, in this setting, we see the father of this child seeking out someone to help with this problem. This father comes to Jesus and gives Him the details of this family problem and how they have not found any help in dealing with this demon spirit. This dad told how that this demon caused his son to be mute and speechless. He tells how this demon would seize this boy and cause him to be thrown to the ground, to foam at the mouth, to grinds his teeth, and even become stiff as a board at times. This father even tells Jesus that your own disciples could not get this boy delivered and set free.

When a person needs serious help, there is possible no greater sense of urgency that when your spouse or child is in a desperate situation. Jesus asked this father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And the dad told Jesus that this had gone on since this boy was a child. And the father proceeds to tell Jesus that sometimes this demon has thrown his boy into the fire and into the water, with the intent to destroy him. This father desperately pleads for Jesus to have compassion on him, his boy and no doubt, he cried out for Jesus to help them out of this serious situation. This story is just one of many in which Jesus did not refuse to provide help for someone. As I have said so many times, that Jesus never turned anyone away, no matter what the need was. The Bible shows us repeatedly how Jesus healed them all or helped someone, just because He was moved with compassion toward mankind. In this article, I am not focusing on what

the disciples might have done wrong, nor on the theological findings here. I am looking at how Jesus simply provided the help for this family that no one else could provide. The Bible says that Jesus told this father, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” The believing part of this man was not a problem. But like so many today, there was a part of this man’s soul that was troubled with unbelief. Therefore, we read how this father responded to Jesus and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Many seem to believe that God can or even God might heal, deliver or set someone free. But not everyone believes that Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for all mankind, providing everything we need. Jesus paid in full the required price for the provision we need each day. And even though in this story, we see a pre-cross situation, Jesus did not fail to meet the need when a cry for

help was made known. So, this father looked to Jesus and his boy was set free. The bottom line is that when you need serious help, you can always look to Jesus. At Calvary, Jesus finished His work which provided the person of Himself to live in you.

Some say that Jesus went away. But according to the scriptures, the place He really went was inside of you. Today the fullness of the Godhead literally lives in union with you, and He has made you His dwelling place. That is where your

help comes from today. He is literally so close to you that just the whisper of His name brings aid, support, deliverance and relieve. The Help you need is already living inside of you. â&#x20AC;ŚThink about it!

I was so excited to learn my title for this month’s article! This is one of my favorite subjects! Keeping God first is a foundational issue from which all other things in our lives derive. This is such a simple concept but so powerful! Keeping God first is a tool my husband and I were taught years ago while attending the Walk on Water Faith Church in Osage Beach Missouri. This is where we met Pastor Slavic Sagach. He taught us a question that changed our lives forever. And we still ask

ourselves this question today,

same

and that is, “What does the Bible say?” In other words, when faced with a decision, problem, or question, we ask ourselves, “What does the Bible say about this matter?” Keeping God first truly keeps all things in proper perspective! (John 1:1, Matthew 6:33) Once we learn what the Bible has to say (Psalm 119:105), we can turn His living Word into our confession (Hebrew 4:12, Luke 6:45, Romans 4:17),

refuse to waver or give up (Galatians 6:9), strengthen ourselves (Romans 4:20), pray the Word over the situation (Hebrews 10:23), and God has alwaysalwaysalways answered! (1 John 5:14 & 15, Psalm 136, Romans 8:32) If we feel ourselves get weary, tempted to grow tired and give up, we have a solution! The Bible tells us to keep God first, renew our mind, strengthen ourselves in Him, and refuse to give up! (Matthew 6:33, Romans 12:2, 1 Samuel 30:6, Galatians 6:9)

How do we practically apply what the above paragraph states? How does it all really work? I can explain. A problem arises; for example, a negative body image. On a side note, I have a houseful of girls. I adore girls! Boys are great as well, but I am surrounded by girls the majority of the time, I am female, and I have a lot of girlfriends, so I see the “body image struggle” firsthand. In the natural, it is so easy to see why and how one can struggle with this (earthly) issue. (Ephesians 2:6) Magazines, television, Hollywood, pressure from ourselves and others, attempt to bombard us with what is supposed to be the perfect body image. Who determines the “perfect” height, weight, eye color, hair color, lash length, eye size, waist size, shoe size, lip plumpness…it is a ridiculous list, isn’t it? As ridiculous as the list

may appear, these are things that try to bombard and tear down our girls. I can answer the question of who determines the “perfectness” in each of us. God does! (Psalm 139:14) When we put God first, it is easy to overcome this attempt at bombardment! (Matthew 6:33) We are in this world but thank God; we are not of it! (Romans 12:2) We control, we decide, we set our hearts and minds from which point we operate! (Ephesians 2:6) First, we study the Bible for answers (Matthew 6:33, 2 Timothy 2:15). The Bible instructs us to honor God in our bodies, and the Bible explains we are not our own, but we’ve been purchased with a precious price, and the Bible tells us to rejoice, pray, and be thankful! (1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Thessalonians 5:18) So we would build a confession something like this, “Father, in the name of Jesus, I am

thankful for the body You have given me! I thank You for the precious price Jesus paid for me! I determine to honor You in all things, especially my body, the temple of your sweet, loving Holy Spirit! In the name of Jesus, I thank You for helping me succeed!” This confession bombards and overtakes the thoughts that try to come against us to complain about our imperfect selves! If tempted with thoughts about negative body image, we immediately say, “Nope, this is forever settled. I set my heart on things above! I rejoice! I pray! I am thankful! And repeat our confession. (Colossians 3:2) How long do we make this confession? As long as it takes! It is a good thing to write our confessions down using pen and paper, and say them first thing in the morning as well as

throughout the day. (Matthew 6:33) I use to have a really hard time controlling my thoughts. I could get myself so upset so quickly, and I could stay upset all day long by meditating on past bad memories. I was unknowingly choosing death, disaster, curses, and adversity. (Deuteronomy 30:19) Then one day, I found Psalm 19:14. I took a stack of pretty, colorful index cards and a pretty pen, and I wrote down my confession. “Father, in the name of Jesus, the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart are always pleasing in Your sight, Oh LORD, My Rock, My Redeemer!” I taped these cards all over my house, in my car, and placed one in my purse. I said it and said it and said it until shortly thereafter; my heart began to line up with what I was saying. I began choosing life, contentment, blessings, and peace! (Deuteronomy 30:19)

God’s Word always works when we refuse to give up! (Galatians 6:9) I encourage you to be the best you that you can be! Do everything you can to set and obtain your goals! Don’t say, “If I can.” Say, “Watch me, I know I can!” Grab this life by the horns and declare, “Nothing-No Thing is impossible for me!” (Psalm 37:5, Mark 9:23) Do what is right! (Deuteronomy 6:18) Keep God first, eat correctly and exercise because our bodies and our minds thrive on it! Another key to success is building a godly, Bible based team around you who will tell you the truth in love, encourage you, walk along with you doing everything they can to ensure your success in all things! (Proverbs 13:20, Ephesians 4:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Ecclesiastes, 4:9) If you are in a hard place right now and it seems all is lost. Please allow me to

encourage you today. It’s not over! Follow the principles in this article. Start over! Taste and see that the LORD is so good! (Psalm 34:8) Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for every reader, and I thank You for what You are doing in their lives! I thank You for fearfully and wonderfully creating each of them! I thank You for Your life giving, life changing Word that teaches us and keeps us on Your straight path! I thank You for each perfect plan You have for each of us! Thank You we have eyes to see and ears to hear You perfect plan for us! We are so thankful, so grateful to You and for Your perfect love that casts out all fear! We thank You for Your Son, Jesus! We thank You, it is because of Him that we can rejoice and be thankful! Let everything we think, say, and do, glorify You LORD!

Central Pacific Rebuilders

ROTATING ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

If you’ve been in church for very long, I’m sure you have heard phrases like "Walk the talk", "Do more…be more" or "Walk out your Christian life". Walking out our Christian life is a critical part of our faith, it’s the reason we disciple. If we believe we are blessed, we should act like people who are blessed, if we

believed we are loved, we should be lovers; likewise, if we believe we are righteous, holy, justified, and sanctified because of Jesus finished work, then we should manifest what we believe. I think we can all agree that demonstrating our faith is very important, James writes, “I’ll show you my faith by my works.” The question is how do we live a life that outwardly reflects what Jesus has done inwardly? Is it by trying harder? By doing more?

We celebrate Mother’s Day this month (Happy Mother’s Day to all you mommas out there), let me use motherhood, as an illustration of how we walk the talk. When we were born, our Moms became mothers, they were no longer trying to be moms…they were moms. Mother is now their identity, just like in everything else; she had to mature, grow, and learn all about motherhood but even in the middle of her biggest mistakes, her identity never changed.

Walking the talk is a lot less about trying to become, and a lot more about just being who you are. Jesus said he who abides in Me (Jesus) will bear much fruit. We are not trying to manufacture fake fruit; we simply believe who He (Jesus) is and who we are in him. Walking the talk is awakening to our Godgiven identities, and living in his reality. No striving or struggling, simply living who we are in Christ Jesus. The demonstrations of the Spiritual gifts, walking in holiness, releasing Kingdom realities, are not earned by our good behavior or our striving to break into the Heavenly. These are all a work of Grace, to quote Joseph Prince, "Right living comes from right believing." A good example, for years we were taught that we were all sinners saved by grace. As long as our Identity was that of a sinner, the only thing we’re capable of

manifesting is sin! The truth is we were sinners, saved by Grace, but once we came to Christ we were no longer our old self’s, we are now new creations, old things have passed away, all things have become new (2 Cor. 5:17). The word in this passage for new has been translated from a Greek word “Kainos” which is defined as; “a change of substance to a better kind, unprecedented, unheard of.” Wow…God literally regenerated you!! He changed your DNA to something never seen before!

to complete in you is that you are going to fully believe!! All of it!! You have been made right with God in Christ, you are seated in Heavenly places right now, and at the same time, Christ is in you, which brings forth a joyful expectation of Gods reality! Believe it and receive it!

Philippians 1:6, Paul writes, "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." The good work He began in you wasn’t that He made you half righteous, half sanctified or half holy… NO!! It was a perfect work; the blood of Jesus was powerful enough to make you completely perfect, holy, righteous, and sanctified. The work He began in you is that you believed and the work He is going

The disciples asked Jesus, " What must we do, to do the works of God (John 6:28)? I know works in this day and age has gotten a bad name, and rightfully so, depending on the circles you came up in. We just need to learn to rightfully divide the word. There is a difference in dead works and good works. Dead works are anything you are trying to do to gain favor, affirmation, or gifts from God. We have spent too much time

trying to be sons and daughters through our works; working for affirmation has left us with an orphan mentality. Good works are those we do out of sonship, not trying to be affirmed, but motivated out of love and the affirmation God has already given. But in these scriptures, the disciples are speaking specifically about signs, wonders, and miracles. Jesus responds, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:29) Apostle Paul carries this thinking into the new covenant as he is dealing with the Galatian church. Paul asks "He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith

(Gal 3:5)." Kingdom realities are manifested in us by believing correctly. As He (Jesus) is right now, so are we right now. Is Christ Jesus sick? Is He stuck in poverty? Is He trapped in sin? All that He is, has, or possesses is ours, here and now in this world. Finally, Paul writes do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2). For many of us in the church, when we hear the word "world," negative thoughts immediately come forth, and we equate world with sin. But the scriptures tell us that God so loved the world (John 3:16) and that after creation, He looked at all He had

made and beheld that it was very good. So, Gods problem isn’t with the world, but with the world system. A system that says, "Your identity is wrapped up in what you do" or “Your identity is wrapped up in what you possess." We aren’t to conform to a system that says, your identity is based solely on the amount of money you have or how good you are. In God’s Kingdom, your identity is based on what He says about you. He created you in His image; He put His Spirit in you, let those truths transform you!! Then walking the talk will just be the manifestation of who we are, a son or daughter of the Most High!

Some, mistakenly, live under the delusion that all one must do is become a Christian, and, voila, they will never again face any challenges to godly living. Certainly, becoming a Christian by embracing the gospel, the good news of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:17), and experiencing spiritual regeneration, what He referred to as being “born again,” or, literally, being born from above, is the necessary first step we must all take (John 3:7, NKJ). Without becoming spiritually new creations “according to God, in

true righteousness and holiness,” none of us will ever be able to live virtuous lives in this sinfilled world (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:24, NKJ). However, let us always remember that being born again is not all that is necessary. Successful Christian living also requires: the empowerment or baptism of the Holy Spirit, the renewal of our minds, and consistent growth in grace. Let us begin by focusing upon the empowerment or baptism with the Holy Spirit, which the

disciples experienced in Acts 2:1-4. Jesus, prior to His ascension, instructed His disciples, “not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with the water, but you shall

be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now’” (Acts 1:4-5, NKJ). Jesus had previously spoken of this Promise in John 1:16 (NKJ), “And I will pray the Father and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.” The word “another” is significant, as it is a transliteration of the Greek word, “allos,” which means “another of the same kind.” Jesus promised that this Helper, which we know as the Holy Spirit, in terms of His essence, would be another of the same kind as Him. Also significant is the fact that the Holy Spirit was and is omnipresent, unlike Jesus, who due to incarnation in the flesh, faced physical limitations. Finally, it is imperative that we remember the primary reason for Jesus sending us the Holy Spirit, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me” (Acts 1:8, NKJ). The baptism with the Holy Spirit is given to

empower us. With what? With power or ability to be successful, righteous witnesses, as citizens of heaven overcoming the challenges of an ungodly world. Having briefly focused on the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment or baptism, let us now turn to the renewal of our minds as an integral aspect of living righteously in an unrighteous world. Romans 12:2 (NKJ) instructs us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” World (aion) refers to the ungodly philosophies, ideologies, and manners of thinking that we constantly encounter during our tarriance upon this planet. Our loving Father does not want us conformed to or patterned after those views, for He knows that, in doing so, our ability to

sojourn here as fruitful Christian witnesses will be to varying degrees hindered or, worse still, fully thwarted. Rather, by the renewal of our minds, which is a work of the Holy Spirit and God’s word bringing our thought processes in line with His perspectives, we will be able to discern His “good and acceptable and perfect will.” Perceiving His will, we, who are empowered by His Spirit, will see and know clearly know how to walk. Walking in His will, we will find ourselves among those who are successfully commissioned to godly living, even in the face of much ungodliness. Finally, we come to consistent growth in grace as an essential aspect of an effective Christian witness. Peter warned of our falling from “steadfastness” and “being led away with the error of the wicked” (2 Pet. 3:17, NKJ). In the next verse, he counseled us how to remain resolute and avoid missteps, “but grow in grace and the

knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Furthermore, Hebrews 5:13-14 (NKJ), contrasts those who partake of the milk of the word, babes, and mature Christians, who ingest “solid food” or the meat of the word, stating, “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age (mature), that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Based on these and other verses of scripture, it is evident that, if we are desire to reflect a consistently flourishing Christian testimony, spiritual maturation is a must. Our growth in grace invests us with fidelity and the

ability to avert miscues by discerning between good and evil. Discriminating between good and evil, “we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth” (Eph. 4:14, NLT). Embracing the truth, we will radiate godliness, even when surrounded by immorality. As stated earlier, embracing Christianity is the mandatory first step for those of us who desire

to live virtuously, even when encompassed about by wickedness. Yet, it should never be our only undertaking. We should also experience the empowerment or baptism of His Spirit, the renewing of our minds, and habitually engage in spiritual growth. Doing these things, after our conversion to Christianity, will invest us with the propensity to resonate virtue, even when the environment about us emanates unrighteousness. Doing these things will capacitate us to live godly lives in an ungodly world.

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed …but with the PRECIOUS blood of Christ … (1 Pt 1:18-19)

I was about ten years old when Mom sent me to the store with a $50 bill: I don’t know how I lost it, but I was afraid going home with the news and NO GROCERIES! When I told my mom, she said, “It’s okay, honey; it’s only money.” She spent her whole life showing people how precious they were.

What really gives us value? From whom do we accept value assessments? When Jesus came up out of the water, the Father spoke from heaven. “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” (Mt 3:17) Jesus had not yet begun His ministry: no preaching good news to the poor, no restoring sight to the blind, no feeding the multitudes, no cross, and resurrection … no work. Yet His Father said He was well pleased with Him.

Jesus was once asked, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” His answer was simple and profound. “The work of God is this: believe in the One He has sent.” (Jn 6:28-29)

His love is not conditional upon works. Ask yourself, “What could I do (or not do) to add to (or take away from) the worth that God has already bestowed upon me by His redemption with the precious blood of His Son? Could I somehow diminish or add to the intrinsic value God has given me through the sacrifice of Jesus?” (Rom 5:8) Performance based value must be nailed to the cross! Look Failure in the face…smile…and rest in God’s grace. This will allow you to learn to serve out of the rest that comes from Him. (Heb 4:911) Open your Bible, go to John 3:16, and pray it inserting your name in the appropriate places: For God so loved _______ .... Now, just stop for a moment. Bow your head and receive afresh (or, perhaps for the first time) the love of God, demonstrated to you through Jesus. Soak it in. Our preciousness must become engrained and embedded in our minds. Let your being be immersed in His love and acceptance. Know, down deep, that you are precious just because God says so, has proven it by the cross, and validated it by the resurrection!

What does this do for you? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

It sets you free to live out the fruit of His Spirit because of “want to” not “have to”. (Gal 5:22-23) Fully understanding your worth, you can freely show others theirs. (Mt 22:39) When the world batters you with its empty philosophy, you can turn your head, mount up on wings as an eagle, and rise above it. (Is 40:28-31) You can uphold yourself with this biblical fact when you’re tempted to be depressed and discouraged: “God says I’m precious, so I am.” (Eph 6:10-18) Since your value is not based on what you do, you “can do” without fear. (1 Jn 4:16-18)

Understanding your preciousness is the bottom line, the foundational basis,

for all of your life as a fully dedicated follower of Jesus Christ, a disciple.

Lord Jesus, help me to know, deep in my being, how precious I am to You, and as I do, help me to understand how precious others are to You. Please give me Your eyes and Your heart for myself and for everyone else. Thank You, Lord.

Other passages for your prayerful consideration: Mt 5-7; Jn 2:23-25; 5:41-44; 6:1-15; 13:34-35; 15: 1-12; 17:20-23; Phil 2: 5

Journaling: Write down some of the ways the Lord has shown you how precious you are to Him.

(From Day One from the 50-Day Journey, “THE RELUCTANT EVANGELIST: Embrace Your Gifts and Fulfill God’s Purpose” available to preview or purchase at WinandGrow.com.)

My sisters and my brother once asked me a few short years after Mom began to move in her calling—the ministry of healing and prayer— on her life, “What happened to our mom?” I simply responded with a hint of naivety, “What do you mean?” (I knew exactly what they meant; I wanted them to put their question into words.) They restated, “That’s not the same mom we grew up with!” The Holy Spirit had so transformed Mom’s life from being bashful and shy to one who was now bold! Formerly, she did

not even speak up in any prayer meeting. On a regular basis, she would boldly enquire of others for a necessity of prayer—no matter where she went! Then she would pray for whatever the need—right there in the store, or the bank, or the post office— wherever she would meet people who had a need. Praying was one thing, but then she would see manifested results. “Tremendous results” are exactly what Jesus declared we would see when we abide in Him, and His words abide in us. (Later in this book, I will refer in detail to

many of the miracles that He has accompanied to those who speak His word.) “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen” (Mark 16:20 NKJV). I want to share about one of my mom’s first experiences after she had stepped into her life’s calling. The Holy Spirit used a very uncommon encounter when she went to town to visit the local

pharmacy and to run a few errands. She took my youngest daughter Candice, who was three years old at the time, with her. While they were in a store, my mom noticed another woman with her young son, who was very pigeon-toed. In fact, his feet were so twisted that both feet pointed toward each other and almost touched. In spite of the severity of his condition, my mom’s faith was undaunted. Her understanding of Who Jesus is and Who Jesus is within her gave her the ability to believe that Jesus wanted to heal this little boy. The Holy Spirit led her to ask the little boy’s mom if she could pray for her son. That mother willingly allowed my mom to pray for this young boy right there in the pharmacy. My mom knelt down and grasped the boy’s ankles and began praying. She commanded the feet to be straightened to enable him to walk. While she was praying, she saw with her eyes the boy’s feet being straightened

and become normal.

perfectly

The little boy was so overjoyed, he began running throughout the store. Both Candice and this young boy ran through the store. These children were excited; they had seen with their own eyes the power of God manifested. The glory that was imparted healed that boy’s feet perfectly. His mother told my mom that her son had been scheduled to go to the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital to have braces put on his legs. “Now he won’t need any braces,” she exclaimed. How awesome can it be for that little boy to enjoy the favor of God—and to never need braces because of being completely healed! The miracle transformed that whole family, who had been attending a Catholic church. The boy’s father, knowing the miracle his son had received, chose to go to a church that moved in the power of the Holy Spirit.

This family became awakened to enjoy the glory that was manifested that day— even though they had received their miracle from the ministry of reconciliation by another believer’s reaching out past the fear and intimidation to pray. My mom had also taken time to ask the boy if he knew Jesus, and because he had received this healing, both he and his mom invited Jesus into their lives that day. We really have only touched the fringes of this awesome power of His glory that He has deposited in every one of us who believe. The purpose of the Holy Spirit, which is to awaken that inner man of the heart to all the wisdom and knowledge of His glory, is so uncommon to many of our experiences that now He is simply revealing more and more in this spiritual realm. Each one who has experienced this supernatural activity in his life is very much

aware that He is waking up the whole church. The hunger that He awakens within us is that genuineness in craving His Word. You seem to never get enough. It is always satisfying, but this strong deep desire has become so alive that you purposely want as much as He reveals. That craving is addressed in 1 Peter 2, which says,

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is goodâ&#x20AC;? (1 Peter 2:2, 3 NIV). A unique hunger increases in each level of growth. All that is unique to the newborn believer and all the exciting and transformational changes

that the new believer has experienced increases even more after being baptized in the Holy Spirit. And then comes the realm of growing in the knowledge of the glory. I would have to state that never has something been so deeply satisfying, with a driving purpose to know even more.

And on the third day a marriage festival took place in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now there were invited also Jesus and His disciples to the marriage festival. And the supply of wine having failed, the mother of Jesus says to Him, Wine they do not have. And Jesus says to her, What is that to me and to you, woman? Not yet has my hour arrived. His mother says to the waiters, Whatever He says to you, do it with dispatch. John 2:1-5 Wuest Translation

Jesus was very clear. He had a different timeframe than his mom. As the Message Bible translates Jesus saying, “Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn't my time. Don’t push me." This miracle was on Mary’s timing, not Jesus’s. One of the most common phrases I hear among believers contains the words, “God’s timing..” These are sacred words for most people. They don’t doubt God’s will to do good. They question

His timing. I frequently ask what the “God’s Timing” phrase means and where that concept is found in the scriptures as it relates to their current situation. Most are not sure how to answer that

because it has been commonly accepted their whole life. How do you go against something that everyone you know agrees with? I’m not one of those people. Here’s the bottom line: The Bible records that Jesus said it was not His “time” yet to do a miracle. Mary changed the Son of God’s timing. Jesus listened to His Mother and did it anyway. You might write-off this story as God’s little Sunday school lesson to teach children that they need to listen to their Mother but there’s more to it. Who doesn’t know the story of Jesus turning water into wine but do they ever ask why it is recorded in the scriptures? Some have said it was written to show the great respect Jesus had for His mom. Others have used it as an excuse to drink more wine! Wasn’t this just a common wedding? Was it so important that Jesus moved ahead of God’s

will because His mom said so? John says in verse eleven, “This was Jesus' first miracle, and he did it in the village of Cana in Galilee. There Jesus showed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.” CEV Was this why He turned the water to wine? So that they would believe? If that was the case, Mary gets the credit for them believing. She was the one who pushed it ahead of schedule. They believed on Jesus sooner than later. The Catholics will love what I’m about to say here. Was it Mary’s authority and command to the servants to do whatever Jesus says to do, the actual performing of the miracle? Did Jesus find her faith and authority so irresistible that He had to jump into action? Either way, Jesus did something about it. A miracle. On Mary’s time. The mother of Jesus was able to influence the

timing of God’s Son, Yes, it was her son too but we all know what Jesus said about His actions. They came from His Dad I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord--but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision], and My judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me. John 5:30 So Jesus added, When you have lifted up the Son of Man [on the cross], you will realize (know, understand) that I am He [for Whom you look] and that I do nothing of Myself (of My own accord or on My own authority), but I say [exactly] what My Father

has taught Me. 8:28

John

And He Who sent Me is ever with Me; My Father has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him. John 8:29 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? What I am telling you I do not say on My own authority and of My own accord; but the Father Who lives continually in Me does the (His) works (His own miracles, deeds of power). John 14:10 I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [I

have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him.] John 15:15 After reading all these verses in this context I’m begging you to think differently about the phrase, “God’s timing.” When looking at this phrase, “Mine hour is not yet come” Vincent’s Word studies says to compare the other verses it was used like: Jesus said these things in the treasury while He was teaching in the temple [court]; but no one ventured to arrest Him, because His hour had not yet come. John 8:20 AMP And Jesus answered them, The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified and exalted. John 12:23 AMP

Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. John 13:1 KJV Vincent goes on to say, “In every case [above verses] the coming of the hour indicates some crisis in the personal life of the Lord, more commonly His passion. Here [John 2:11 is] the hour of His Messianic manifestation. Messianic manifestation was the moment He broke onto the public scene with a miracle. Mary had to know something. She knew He was capable of doing something about the situation. All she had to do was tell the servants to do whatever he says. After all, it was a celebration of a union. The announcement of the bride and groom. A marriage feast. Always a good time for that.

Over the course of the past few months, I have written mainly about business and how to prepare for going into business. I realize that such topics are not going to gain the attention of the majority as the majority are not likely to become entrepreneurs. My objective in this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue of Faith Unlimited is to not only provide inspiration for the business owner and future business owner but to provide inspiration for anyone who reads this article. What is it you desire to do? What has been trying to overcome you? Is it possible to overcome anything that has been trying to overcome you? Can you walk out from under the stress and strain of one or more experiences of the last few years and walk into what God truly has for you? The answer is, YES! However, to change what is taking place in and around your life, you must change the beliefs that are residing on the inside of you. I encourage you to read the following quotes and their explanations. Find one or more quote that applies to your situation. Write it down and look at it before you start your day. Take time to meditate on the quote and its meaning. Over the course of time, you will see change! No matter what, I want you to make the decision to never give up again and accept things as they are if any part of your life is not as you know it should be.

"Talking about what you are going to do is a great place to start but the most important step comes when you put motion to your boat." I have met many people over the years who are â&#x20AC;&#x153;waiting on God.â&#x20AC;? I will see them at a later time and hear the same thing. Why is this? The answer is simple, Waiting on God does not involve sitting around and waiting for something to happen but instead, acting based on an anticipated outcome. It is the same thing as what takes place when expectant parents are several months away from the birth of their child. Many months before the child is born, the expectant parents choose a room in their home to use as a nursery. They remodel, buy baby furniture and make additional preparations. The expectant parents are waiting on the birth of their child. In the same way, we are to wait on God by preparing for what is expected to come to pass.

"Don't allow yourself to be imprisoned by what others have said you are not capable of doing."

Each of us can learn from those who have gone before us. In many cases, we learn what not to do. Have you ever dealt with someone close to you who has failed at something? Whether it is the same thing you are trying to do or something similar, those who have failed will often try to convince those of us who are big thinkers, big dreamers and moving toward becoming big achievers, that we cannot succeed because they could not succeed. Therefore, it is important to be careful who you share your dreams and goals with. God spoke such things to you, but He has not spoken the same thing to everyone you meet or know.

If you have been discouraged concerning the pursuit of your dreams, remember this: If you can find one person who accomplished what it is you wish to accomplish, you can do the same thing. Study that person, talk to them if possible, read about them and learn as much as you can about them. However, if you cannot find someone who has accomplished what you wish to accomplish, no problem! You can be the first to do so and allow others to follow in your footsteps.

"Mistakes will be made along the way, but God will bless your mistakes."

If you were to remove the fear of failure from the equitation of your life, what would you pursue? If you know the answer to this question, you will know what you should be pursuing with all your ability. As much as I wish failure could be removed completely from what each of us does, there are many variables that keep such a thing from being a reality. However, when God is involved, making or experiencing mistakes based on the decisions of others or our own choices, there is no mistake that cannot be overcome. God will bless any mistake made. A time of struggle may take place, but it will not last. Not only can a lesson be learned and implemented to keep from making the same mistake twice, but a trust in God will form that may not have experienced before. Think of it this way: in Job 1:11, satan said, “But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” (NKJV) The devil had no idea of what he was saying when he tried to tempt God to destroy Job’s life based on the words we read in Job 1:11. Think about it. If God “touches” everything you have, the blessings of your life will be innumerable! Meditate on this information for a few minutes and you will discover motivation to pursue your dreams, unlike anything you have ever known before.

Proverbs 31The Voice (VOICE) 1

These are the words of King Lemuel. An oracle of wisdom handed down to him by his mother: 2 Mother: What shall I say to you, my son? What wisdom can I impart, child of my womb? What insight can I share, son of my vows? 3 Do not waste your strength on women or invest yourself in women who would destroy even kings. 4 Take care, my son, O Lemuel. Kings should not drink too much wine or rulers should not crave strong drink; 5 For if they do, they will become drunk and forget the decreethey just made and alter the course of justice for all the poor and afflicted. 6 Rather, give liquor to one who is dying, and offer wine to those struggling with life’s harsh realities. 7 Let such a one drink and forget what he is missing; then perhaps he won’t remember his sorrows anymore. 8 Speak out on behalf of those who have no voice, and defend all those who have been passed over. 9 Open your mouth, judge fairly, and stand up for the rights of the afflicted and the poor.

King Lemuel’s mother warns him of the dangers of women and wine. In different ways, both have brought down great leaders. Both are certainly distractions to a king’s true work—defending the poor. 10

Who can find a truly excellent woman? One who is superior in all that she is and all that she does? Her worth far exceeds that of rubies and expensive jewelry. 11 She inspires trust, and her husband’s heart is safe with her, and because of her, he has every good thing. 12 Every day of her life she does what is best for him, never anything harmful or hurtful. 13 Delight attends her work and guides her fingers as she selects the finest wool and flax for spinning. 14 She moves through the market like merchant ships that dock here and there in distant ports, finally arriving home with food she’s carried from afar. 15 She rises from bed early, in the still of night, carefully preparing food for her family and providing a portion to her servants.

She has a plan. She considers some land and buys it; then with her earnings, she plants a vineyard. 17 She wraps herself in strength, carries herself with confidence, and works hard, strengthening her arms for the task at hand. 18 She tastes success and knows it is good, and under lamplight she works deep into the night. 19 Her hands skillfully place the unspun flax and wool on the distaff, and her fingers twist the spindle until thread forms. 20 She reaches out to the poor and extends mercy to those in need. 21 She is not worried about the cold or snow for her family, for she has clothed them all in warm, crimson coats. 22 She makes her own bed linens and clothes herself in purple and fine cloth. 23 Everyone recognizes her husband in the public square, and no one fails to respect him as he takes his place of leadership in the community. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them in the market, and she supplies belts for tradesmen to carry across the sea. 25 Clothed in strength and dignity, with nothing to fear, she smiles when she thinks about the future. 26 She conducts her conversations with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is ever her concern. 27 She directs the activities of her household, and never does she indulge in laziness. 28 Her children rise up and bless her. Her husband, too, joins in the praise, saying: 29 “There are some—indeed many—women who do well in every way, but of all of them only you are truly excellent.” 30 Charm can be deceptive and physical beauty will not last, but a woman who reveres the Eternal should be praised above all others. 31 Celebrate all she has achieved. Let all her accomplishments publicly praise her.[a] Marrying the right person is one of the most important decisions most people ever make, so they must choose wisely and carefully. The Book of Proverbs ends with a tribute to a wise choice in a wife. She is strong, independent, capable, and cares for her husband, her family, and the poor. She runs the whole household. In ancient Israel, this would mean a large extended family—including servants with all of their activities—and the family business. Her husband would sing her praises publicly before the community leaders. Those who know her would admire her for her skills, her industry, and her character.

by: Jennie Jennie Crowell Meet Crowell

JENNIE’S BIO: Jennie got saved 41 years ago this Spring as a young bride when God delivered her from a tormenting spirit of fear. She has been in love with Jesus ever since. She spent the next 21 years praying (well, learning how to pray and praying) for her husband and children to come to know the Lord, and they all did. Part of the not-betterending is that her husband decided he

wanted to be off on his own after 40 years of marriage and be single. (The better-ending-part is that he is still delivered from alcoholism! The glory goes to God!) Her daughter graduated from Rhema and her son from Jerry Savelle’s Bible College, Heritage of Faith. Jennie was involved with Life Christian University at the Walk on the Water Faith Church

campus (Osage Beach) and acquired her Masters in Theology. She was blessed with –and very much enjoyed – the opportunities to teach in numerous LCU classes as well as minister to women. She also holds an Associate of Arts degree from Moberly Area Community College. Her heart’s desire is to share the things God has shown her in her own life that brings encouragement, hope, and God’s love. -------------------------

No, I’m not buying and selling houses. I guess, though, I am dealing with real estate, in a sense: the “real estate” of my soul (my mind, will, and emotions). I’m talking about offense! I’m talking about it moving in on me with all its furniture and baggage. As I was praying 'Help me flip it!,' I was standing in the room alone, emotions whirling from hurtful treatment I would never expect from a friend. It made me think of Psalm 55:13 (paraphrased,) “For it was not an enemy who insulted me; if it had been, I could have borne it. It was not my adversary who treated me with scorn; if it had been, I could have hidden myself. But it was a dear friend, the one I trusted most.” I did not like the kinds of emotions that were trying to dictate to me and I didn’t want to let them have me. I know enough to know that I would only make myself miserable if I entertained those thoughts and emotions. And I also know enough to know that every time a person rehearses an event, the mind thinks it’s

happening to them yet again. And it generates the chemicals and hormones that bring those emotions all over again. I hate that place. It causes my mind to start hearing the voice of the accuser: the very one who accused me to my friend! If you notice, that voice will turn you into a victim by convincing you that you are one. I knew I only had the “blink of an eye” to get rid of that offended feeling. In my quiet times with the Lord, He has shown me a couple of things about being offended. One is that every offense has two hits: the first is when you don’t see it coming and it blindsides you. Like Psalm 55:13 says it’s from a much-unexpected source. That’s a hit we can’t stop. They happen. You know, you can’t even build walls around yourself to keep them out because now all you’ve really done is lock those emotions, hurts, and anger in there with you! What you’ve walled out is love, my friend.

The first hit is, as I say, unexpected. It hits. But the second hit is a different story. Standing there alone with God, I saw something more: that I have this very short fraction of a second to decide if I’m going to let this into my heart. It did hit my soul. But hit #2 is entirely my own choice. And once I recognized that, it got a lot easier to recover from them. If I will say, “No! I close the door to that thing and I do not let it in my innermost being,” I have been a faithful doorkeeper to my soul. And that’s when I said, there at the job where I worked at that time, “Lord! Help me flip it! Give me another perspective! Give me the word that changes my focus! Show me what they’re going through! Help me change the path I go down and fast!” I have to admit; there were a few times when I hesitated. Sure! I actually

remember the thought that just this one time I deserve to nurse the wrong -recognize and get a little steamed about the wrong. After all! It’s a legitimate wrong! But there’s sorrow in that decision. When I grab that offense by the throat and bar the doors, I get over it fast and can get on with living. But when I let it in it puts roots down, and fast! They spread fast, and they get into my other business! I end up trusting nobody because somebody did me wrong. I end up grouchy and touchy. Even a little pity-party takes on a life of its own. And those roots choke out the fruit of the Spirit: love – muzzled. Joy, MIA. Peace, don’t even say the word! Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – where did they go? I had them just 5 minutes ago! I swapped them out for the “right” to nurse the wrong. You know the saying, “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay. –” (R. Zaccharias.) That describes offense to a T! We may accept the offered thought that we are only going to nurse this offense,

this wrong done to us, for a day or two. But it will take us further than we want to go, keep us longer than we want to stay, and cost us way more than we want to pay. Of course, there’s always the argument that they deserve our anger. They deserve our mistrust. They deserve our rejection. A dear friend of mine put it this way: when we reserve anger and rejection and resentfulness for someone, we are pushing the just Judge off His throne and seating ourselves there, and passing temporal and carnal judgment. Which is all the carnal nature has to pass. It will solve nothing, rectify nothing, justify no one. It’s an exercise in futility and will serve only to feed that misery. Passing sentence on anyone is not our place. We may think we’re not offended because we call it something else. But offense is taking a wrong personally – taking possession -- taking it to heart. I got another object lesson on offense from the Holy Spirit one day. They voice of the accuser messes up

people’s day in all kinds of ways. For example, a person may hear a minister give an example or a word from the pulpit that is a word of admonishment or correction. And they could jump to the conclusion the minister is referring to them, and say, “That’s me! They’re talking about me and I’m not happy with it.” Holy Spirit said to me, “I wish people were as quick to say ‘I take it personally’ about the Word as they are to take offense.” And, of course, there’s the issue of love. 1 Corinthians 13:5 says love keeps no record of wrongs. No record. No history log. If we have that log, then that’s a reminder that love isn’t fully at work. And our faith can only be fully at work if love is fully at work. And love is how you flip it! I saw one time in my time with the Lord that when someone fires arrows or darts at us to cause us damage that the one doing it is placing themselves in serious danger… from their own weapons. He showed me that if we have taken refuge in Love that those arrows and darts ricochet and return their intended harm on the one

who fired them. We spoke earlier of building a wall. Well, there is a wall that we do want. One time, while seeking God to “help me flip it” I was listening for what He was going to give me to do that. This time He gave me a little song. These are the words (They’re repeated often!) Every weapon formed against me Every tongue launched against me Goes splat against the brick wall of love! Every weapon formed against me Every tongue launched against me Goes splat against the brick wall of love! And it falls to the ground, and it falls to the ground, And it falls dead to the ground (Repeat) Never to rise again, never to rise again, Never to raise its ugly head again! I saw the arrows of spoken words that could, in their intended state, cause me harm hit the wall of love and trust in God and fall dead to the ground! Love is a power and a shield and a safe, large and beautiful

place to abide always! Those are the only walls I choose to live behind, in the garden of the fruit of the Spirit. I just wanted to encourage you, today, to be a faithful doorkeeper of your heart and be very selective of what you take personally. The Holy Spirit desires to help us pull those thorns out of our hearts, and take His love personally. It will heal more than just our hearts! It will bring a fullness of that peace which passes all understanding! Father, I pray for my friends right now. I thank You, Lord that You open our eyes to help us live in a victorious place over offense. And You take our every plea and bring us the strategy to live free and clear from that destructive scheme of the kingdom of darkness. I pray, Father, that each of us see clearly that it is not putting ourselves at risk to trust You and to let that wrong go completely, but what is putting us at risk is clinging to it because keeping it involves fear. Lord, I remember Your Word that says perfect Love casts out fear. I pray for a baptism of

Your love, today, Lord! I pray for a realization of that place and the safety and comfort where it’s only Your love-filled Word that is taken personally for each and every one reading this. Thank You, Lord! In Jesus’ Name!

In the beginning of each of our lives, there is a Mother. Without Mom or Momma as we say in the South I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be here. I am the first born of her five natural born children. I do aggravate my older sister by marriage with this tid bit of information as she is one of us and is a little older than me. Many will bring their Mother flowers this month, maybe take her out to a meal. Some who have lost their Moms will mourn again and possibly revisit her grave

remembering her love and kindness toward them. In the grand scheme of life, mothers have the burden and blessing of carrying us inside of them for nine months and carrying us in their hearts her entire life. God knew what he was doing when he gave woman this mission. She was emotionally more focused to nurture us and praise us when it was warranted. It is the female of humankind that has this part of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nature. I know men often rise up to be

tenderhearted and none of us more than Jesus Christ. However, for the sake of my argument, He too was brought into the world and raised into adulthood by such a loving mother as our own. Recently on my trip to Europe, I was reminded of how celebrated that blessed among women is in the Catholic Church. Though I may not always see things as they do being a Protestant Christian, I do agree that she had to be someone very special. You see, my Mom like Mary was just

a teenager when she gave birth to me. She had learned how to become an incredible Mom from her wonderful Mom, my dearly departed grandmother Lora Inez. This spiritual legacy from my Grandmother, who was a firebrand tent revivalist in the 1970s is very real. Mom was called to be a Minister at a young age and has been my Pastor since I was a child. If you were to attend one of her Church Services at Rocky Branch Congregational Holiness Church you would hear some good old fashioned Choir singing and an anointed message. If the Spirit is truly moving that Sunday morning don’t expect to leave Church before 12:30 pm. I’m certain that you will not mind those extra minutes invested in hearing this precious woman of God. If you ever met Mom, she would give you one of her trademark smiles and you probably wouldn’t think for a minute that

she was a day over 40 years old. Though she has settled now into her mid-60s she still has such an amazing youthful glow about her. Rev. Brenda Inez Yon has been a very faithful shepherd to so many of God’s people over these near 40 years of ministry. Her little flock has leaned heavily upon her with their midnight phone calls or even a van ride to the Doctor’s office. Mom has spoken in large venues to hundreds of women at special services. Yet, her humility is so visible as if she was still a young preacher just doing whatever she was called upon to do. We recently lost my baby brother suddenly to a heart attack only about 2 months ago. This was truly a great burden I wish my Mom had never been given to bear. She isn’t angry at God because of the loss of her Son Michael Keith. She is still, however, grieving with the weight of his loss. Yet my Mom

marches on serving others each day and always a phone call away to someone in need of her prayers. Her little Church membership holds steady at about 40 souls. Many of them are aging now. Mamma is often called upon to marry people and to bury people probably more now than before. She is still such a blessing playing that old upright piano in our little Church with a big God as she would say. She is to me such a great representation of Jesus Christ with her servant’s heart. She and her Brother my Uncle David are both such powerful Ministers of the word of God. They carry on the mission that God has given each of them which also once their Mothers and Fathers mission. I too am indeed honored to have also been called into Ministry at just 16 years old. You see it might not have been my Mother who called me to Preach. It was my Heavenly Father of course. It was, however, her being a role

model that first led me to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

children now with other Great grandchildren as well.

In the Catholic Church, they often nominate people who do great things for God for a position known as Sainthood. If I were in that faith I would definitely nominate my Mother. She preaches each message with such a vigor and urgency. She cries out in prayer for the lost and the sick. She is Mother to the 5 of us children left here on this Earth. She is a grandmother to over 25

My Mother, My Pastor carries her cross daily and she always reflects a passion for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On this occasion, by writing this article I celebrate her life and her faith. Her mother used to say, ‘Where is the Lord God of Elijah or the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?’ This is a legacy that still believes in the power of the one true and living God of the Bible.

May each one of us learn from those who have left their mark of faith and who presently now walk the Earth with us and share this sincere desire for truth. Let us all seek today to do the will of God the way my Mother and so many others have done. My wish is that all of you who are Mothers have the very best Mother’s Day ever. I also pray blessings for you and your beloved children. God bless you all. Amen.